So I am finally sitting down to type a blog. After the last two days, I feel compelled to write about some of the experiences we are all having. Before I get into the heavy stuff, I have to tell you a cool "Andy story." Erik and I have made a decision to not write about any sicknesses we have here, because Africa gets a bad rap for too much sickness... but this was just too cool. The other day, I got violently sick in the middle of the night. Without going into details, I will just say it was horrible. On the day that we missed our flights, I still felt horrible. My joints ached, I had a fever, and I just felt like crap. So I slept for 24 hrs straight. I woke up and felt great. It was weird. So today, I was looking at my right hand, and realized I have two fang marks on my thumb. Sandra mentioned that her husband had a spider bite that gave him the same conditions. So I think I got bit by a massive spider, had a bad reaction, and slept it off. Check out the Shutterfly pictures and tell me if you agree. So cool (now that I feel better).
OK... now onto the real stuff. We just completed our second day with some of the most brilliant girls on the face of this earth. We started recording the girls' scripts today, and with that came thirty stories that both devastated and inspired me. I have worked with thousands of youth across the world, and I have never encountered a group so articulate. I can write and write about how strong these girls are, but here's why:
Out of the thirty girls that we are working with, about 25 have been raped.
Out of the thirty girls that we are working with, about 15 of them have been raped more than 3 times.
Every girl has either lost or has been abandoned by their parents.
Every girl was willing, and actually quite open, to talk about everything that they have been through.
Every girl ends her story about a personal tragedy with their hope for the future.
Every girl here has the most contagious laugh and smile. They actually do make a grey sky blue.
So. Without sounding like a hallmark card, I just want to brag about having the privilege of working with this group of girls. I would vote for anyone of them to be my President. These videos will have the potential to inspire people from around the world for years to come. I can't wait for you to see them, just be prepared.
Thanks for reading,
Cheers,
A.
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8 comments:
WOW!!!!....to ALL of the above!
love ya and it was good to finally hear from you!
where is the pictures of the spider bite that you say are on shutterfly...I definitely do not see them
Hey, this is one area where a dad does NOT want his son to follow in his footsteps.... I still bear the scar from a necrotic spider bite I experienced a couple of years ago! And, I, too, am waiting for that "thousand words" picture. Glad you're better.
E--Fortunatly I had received a call from a healthy sounding Andy after his malarial nap so I was good :)
A--Seriously a spider bite?? Ben is going to be sooo jealous.
So how do you NOT notice getting bit by a spider that leaves holes that big?
Andy,
Would give a lot to be there with you! Sounds like an unforgettable amazing experience. Keep it up!
Love,
Aunt Allison (for all of us)
This is not a spider bite. This is a mouse bite because of the sharp teeth. They bite you in your sleep.
Andy: "For a good time in Ghana"... contact two friends of your mother and mine:
Evans and Genetie Laryea
PO Box 5723
Accra GH
Phone: 23321715211
Dad
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